SC orders Karnataka to continue Cauvery water release to TN

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has extended the interim arrangement it had made on the release of Cauvery waters by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu until further orders.

On October 4 this year, the apex court had ordered the Karnataka government to release 2,000 cusecs of water a day to its neighbouring state until October 18. On Tuesday, the court reviewed its earlier order and directed Karnataka to follow the arrangement for the time being. However, a three-judge bench that is hearing the appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala challenging the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award will continue to hear the states’ arguments.

While giving its decision on maintaining the present quantum of water release, the apex court observed that “both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are in dire need of water.” But such situation should not lead to violence and riots, the court said.

Giving a stern warning to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over last month’s violence and the two-day bandh in Tamil Nadu on Monday and Tuesday, the Supreme Court said: “Common sense should prevail, especially when the dispute is before us and we are trying to resolve the crisis. We warn you with absolute seriousness that citizens cannot be a law unto themselves. Peace must be maintained. Mutual respect between both States and its citizens should prevail.”